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Polyp Pest

In 2005, the American Cancer Society estimates that over 145,000 new cases will be diagnosed in the U.S., and over 56,000 men and women will die from colorectal cancer. Michigan alone will account for more than 4,800 of those estimated new cases and approximately 1,900 of those deaths.

Yet one overwhelmingly hopeful fact stands in stark contrast to these frightening statistics: The vast majority of colorectal cancer deaths are preventable by screening and early detection. In fact, Kim Turgeon, M.D., F.A.C.P., a gastroenterologist at the University of Michigan, considers one screening tool, the colonoscopy, to be the most powerful prevention tool in clinical medicine, since it can both identify and remove precancerous polyps.

"Currently, although awareness of colon cancer is increasing, rates for screening remain below those of breast, cervical and prostate cancer, even though the evidence is so strong to support getting tested," says Turgeon. Why?

"People are uncomfortable discussing that part of the body, and they’re also fearful of the test." As Turgeon notes, for most patients, the test itself is not difficult. Performed under conscious sedation, it results in little if any pain. But the bowel preparation necessary prior to the test can be quite uncomfortable, requiring frequent trips to the bathroom. "That’s why we need to work harder to address these concerns and help patients take charge of their own health."

To do so, Turgeon and her colleagues at the U-M Cancer Center have launched a unique program to encourage people to get a screening colonoscopy, and to persuade those they care about to do the same.

The Polyp Pest

Turgeon’s team designed the Polyp Pest, a special bathroom door hanger to put to use when preparing for a colonoscopy.

"We realized that when it comes to encouraging colon screening, sometimes you just need to be a pest. Although it sounds crazy," explains Turgeon, "we have a serious purpose in mind. In addition to providing people with a friendly reminder of the importance of colorectal cancer screening for themselves, we also want to give them something they can easily pass along, encouraging someone else to get screened too. We’ve included a toll-free phone number and web address hoping that everyone who receives it will contact us and let us know -- anonymously -- whether they were screened, and whether they passed along the Polyp Pest."

If you would like a Polyp Pest you may order them by calling the Cancer AnswerLine at 1-800-865-1125; or send them an e-mail.

[This information was excerpted from "Closing the Door on Colon Cancer", Progress, March 1, 2005]

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See Also:

• Colorectal Cancer Information
• From the UMHS web site
  • Sigmoidoscopy
  • Colonoscopy
  • Barium enema

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This site is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center